Constituent Assembly — composition & working

Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution of India. Understanding its composition, committees, and timeline is high-yield for Prelims.

Composition (key facts)

• Indirectly elected by Provincial Assemblies (Cabinet Mission Plan framework)
• Originally included members from areas that became Pakistan; strength changed after Partition
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — Chairman, Drafting Committee
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad — President of the Assembly

Working method

1. Objectives Resolution (Nehru) → later reflected in the Preamble
2. Multiple committees (Union Powers, Provincial Constitution, Drafting, etc.)
3. Draft debated clause-by-clause; adopted 26 November 1949; commenced 26 January 1950

PYQ focus

• Who chaired the Drafting Committee?
• When was the Constitution adopted vs when it came into force?
• Objectives Resolution → Preamble continuity

Summary

Assembly = legitimacy + process. Remember people, dates, and the Drafting Committee — not every committee name.